Project Manager

Project Manager (Defence) 
Dorset | Permanent Position | Hybrid Working Available

Morson Talent is proud to be partnering with a leading UK defence engineering and technology organisation as they continue to expand their Project Management capability.

Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of programmes, our client is looking to appoint an additional Project Manager to join an established team of four Project Managers. This role offers the opportunity to work on highly innovative engineering and R&D programmes supporting cutting-edge defence technologies.

We’re looking to speak with experienced Project Managers who have a proven track record of successfully delivering technical projects from concept through to design, development, testing and final delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a highly collaborative environment and wants to play a key role in the delivery of complex engineering solutions.

The Opportunity

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will be responsible for managing a range of research, development and product-focused projects. Typical project values range from approximately £100,000 through to several million pounds, making this an ideal opportunity for a Project Manager who has successfully delivered small to medium-sized technical programmes rather than large-scale infrastructure projects worth tens of millions.

Project lifecycles typically range from 6 months through to 3 years and cover the full development process, from early-stage concept and design activities through to build, testing, acceptance and customer delivery.

Alongside project delivery, you will also play an active role in bid and proposal activities, supporting the development of project plans, schedules, costings, risk assessments and customer proposals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle delivery of engineering and R&D projects from concept through to final acceptance.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to customer expectations.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, work breakdown structures and delivery milestones.
• Manage project risks, opportunities, dependencies and change control processes.
• Work closely with engineering teams, suppliers, customers and key stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Support bidding and business development activities by contributing to project planning, cost estimation, resource forecasting and risk management.
• Manage contractual deliverables and ensure compliance with customer requirements.
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership, customers and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate subcontractors and external partners where required.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice across project delivery activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience delivering engineering, technical or R&D-focused projects.
• Background within Defence, Aerospace, Maritime, Engineering or another highly regulated technical environment.
• Experience managing projects involving the design, development and build of products or systems.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and project lifecycle management.
• Experience supporting bids, tenders, proposals and contract delivery activities.
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of contractual obligations and project governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead project teams while maintaining a collaborative and team-focused approach.
• Demonstrable track record of successful project delivery within small to medium-sized programmes.

Desirable Experience

• Degree qualified in Engineering, STEM or a related discipline.
• Professional Project Management qualifications or membership of recognised bodies such as APM.
• Experience working with Government, Defence or Military customers.
• Security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) or DV.